5 comments about First Time in a Long Time: The Reprise Recordings.

1. My interest in Fanny was sparked years ago, by the record review, saying that Nickey Barclay played keyboards like Jerry Lee Lewis. I found out how right that was when I laid hold of the `Charity Ball' LP and that sheer breadth of talent burst forth. To my eternal regret, I never saw them in concert nor bought the other albums. This collection makes good that omission and then some.
   
   The tag `the female Beatles' sounds just about right. It is important not to single out any front woman singer/ musician but to absorb the total blend of talent.
   
   First off, the flawless wall of harmonies echoes the Fab (Male) Four very neatly along with the individually distinct and varied lead singing, from Jean Millington's archetypal gritty rock singing, June Millington's clear melodic tones, Nickey Barclay's ballad or blues style and, surprise, Alice De Burgh's endearing screechy style on the wonderfully funny/serious `Rock bottom blues' with muttered cursing aside.
   
   Second, Jean Millington plays those classic propulsive curling basslines, no better showcased on `Soul Child' while Alice De Burgh's drumming nails those songs down with tight precision. Nikki Barclay shows mastery of her rocking piano and hard driving organ which doesn't miss out on the delicate nuances while June Millington has a wonderful mastery of every guitar style of one of the most creative eras in music, everything from Eric Clapton, Abbey Road era George Harrison, archetypal slide guitar right down to the acoustic strumming on `Long Road Home.'
   
   Third, Fanny follow Beatles tradition by their prolific and varied output of songs. In addition, their choice of covers give originals a good run for their money (Cream's `Badge', the Beatles `Hey Bulldog' and while I haven't heard Steven Stills own `Special Care' the guy would have to work hard to beat Jean's virtuouso singing and the ensemble hard driving piece, shifting tempo and wall of harmonies. The comparison only doesn't quite fit where combinations of three fine songwriters is augmented by a clutch of Alice De Burgh's contributions.
   
   Lastly, the lyricism never falls below the standard of good rock lyrics and inspired moments of verbal expressiveness abound in the `road weary' `Long Road Home' , the `mother to son' dedication of `You've Got a Home' and the introspection of `What's Wrong With Me' that equals Crosby Stills and Nash at their best.
   
   Artfully, disc 4 leads with `demo' songs i.e `self produced version of songs with verbal `count ins' kicking off alternate versions as right as the official (?) version on Mother's Ride. Disc 3 features Fanny in concert highlighted by `Charity Ball' gloriously expanded from the short sharp album opener.
   
   Most important of all, their music is totally confident and awash with self belief. They define what a band should aim to be, not just female band. Grab the record set and fast and, oh yes, I echo, the other fine dedications here.



2. I don't normally review greatest hits, live albums or collections. In fact, over the last eight years, I've only done four: Fleetwood Mac (my all-time favorite group), Carly Simon (my #1 female singer), Tom Petty (it's such a killer chronological retrospective!) and Matthew Sweet (just...because!). So do I ignore the first appearance on CD of four of Fanny's five albums? Nope, can't do it! I preached the merits of this band all through junior high, high school and college, and, almost 35 years after their last release, they're still my #2 all-time favorite group. Oh, sure, I could go on about how they're still the best all-female band to date, or how June Milllington and Alice de Buhr were just SO amazing, but that's all old hat. What I've really come to appreciate about Fanny over the last decade or so is that there were no gimmicks involved, at least not during their first four discs. They weren't punky princesses...they weren't indie darlings....they weren't jailbait teases...they were just four (very) young women who got up and ROCKED! The fact that they haven't gotten their just dues over the last forty years is criminal...with no one to show them how, they (along with Suzi Quatro) kicked in the doors, paving the way for pretty much every female rocker since. Since it would take forever to review this whole set, I'm just going to touch upon a few tracks from each album that have garnered new (or renewed) respect with this remastering. As stated elsewhere, it's the band's debut effort that has benefited the most from all of this....everything's crisper, cleaner, more punched up. It boggles my mind how solid FANNY is....it has the energy and professionalism of a seasoned band on their third or fourth release, instead of a group in their late teens and early twenties who are just starting out. I've long felt that "Come And Hold Me" was one of the best album openers ever, and the song's remastering only reinforces that. June Millington's shimmering guitars, sister Jean's forceful, yet tasteful, bass lines and Alice de Buhr's whip-smart drumming all coalesce into a sound that's smooth and vibrant, easy-going, yet urgent. Add a relaxed, assured lead vocal from June and you have a track that has easily stood the test of time. Ditto "I Just Realized", one of June's and Nickey Barclay's few collaborative efforts. From it's opening scream, pounding keyboards and searing guitar licks, this is one of Fanny's strongest rockers. Toss in brilliant rotating lead vocals and smart lyrics, and you have a real winner! And then there's "Badge." If I could play just one track for someone when introducing them to Fanny...well, it would be "Badge." Pure rock 'n' roll perfection! Other high-lights include "Changing Horses", "Bitter Wine" and the ultra-funky "It Takes A Lot Of Good Lovin'." And then there are the tracks from FANNY 0.50 (A phrase, I'm proud to say, I coined seven years ago!), the rare Canadian mis-release. As good as it is to finally have them in print, I think it was a wise move to drop most of them; only "One Step At A Time" hints at what was yet to come. One song that was VASTLY improved is the track that went on to be the title cut for the group's second album...CHARITY BALL. A beefier arrangement and gutsier vocals was just what this song needed, and that's exactly what we have here. Why anyone thought there was any need to remix this version for the single release is beyond me. Just cracking the Top 40, this song should have sailed into the Top 20...at least! To this day, I think someone...say, Wendy & Lisa or Pink....could have a great dance hit with this baby! I've also fallen in love all over agin with "Cat Fever" and "Special Care." The former features Barclay at her sexiest and sassiest, both vocally and musically. Add some smokin' riffs from June and the one/two punch of the de Buhr/Millington rhythm section and...WOW! The latter is Jean Millington's shining moment, both as a vocalist and (grossly underrated) bassist. Another track that I often use to introduce people to Fanny. Love it! Other CHARITY BALL beaut's include "You're The One", "Thinking Of You", "Soul Child" and "A Little While Late." What do I say about FANNY HILL (other than, to this day, it's still my #2 favorite album, behind only Fleetwood Mac's TUSK)? I SO want to comment on every single track, but I know I can't, so I'll just mention the pure brillince of the "Should've-been-a-huge-hit!" "Ain't That Peculiar" (arguably June Millington's finest moment!), the pounding fury of "Blind Alley", the muted beauty of "You've Got A Home", the sultriness of "Wonderful Feeling", "the sheer brillance of "Hey Bulldog" ~ how often do you better the Beatles?!? ~ and "Rock Bottom Blues"...Man, how many times did I play this song over and over and....as a 14 year old Fanny-atic?!? At the time of it's release, MOTHERS PRIDE was a bit of a letdown for me, what wih FANNY HILL being SO amazing, but now I've really come to appreciate it's many charms. With all of it's diversity and maturity, MOTHERS PRIDE is the release that hints the most at what "could have been." From the stunning growth exhibited by Barclay on such tracks as the atmospheric "Last Night I Had A Dream" and the sparkling "Regular Guy" to some of June Millington's strongest work to date (the lovely "Feelings" and the raucous "Polecat Blues"), this album has it all. Toss in the easy-going vibe of "Long Road Home", the glorious juxtaposition of Jean Millington's and Barclay's vocals on the wistfully forlorn "Is It Really You", the arena-rock glory of "I Need You Need Me" and "All Mine" (another MAJOR "Should've Been A Hit!") and you have a classic, albeit underappreciated, gem! Before I wrap things up, I have to acknowledge three unreleased tracks. First up is "Tomorrow", an acoustic stunner from June Millington that was probably dropped from FANNY HILL to make room for "You've Got A Home." Bad move. Millington's finger-picking is some of her best, while the lyrics ("Mountain peaks, circus freaks and dancers/To me it's all the same/I'll leave the way I came") are achingly beautiful. A lot of people like "Young And Dumb", but it's always left me cold. To me, it sounds like the band's trying too hard...I'd expect to find this song on a Birtha album! Far better is "Back In My Arms Again", the last new song this line-up recorded. de Buhr's drums and percussive tid-bits anchor the track, and there's an overall vibe that's loose, fun and together....it's here that we best see what future efforts could have sounded like, had the Female Fab Four stayed together. And what if that had happened? What would it have meant? Would Nickey Barclay have grown into a confident songwriter and musician? Would Jean Millington have continued to evolve into the strong, sexy frontwoman of "Butter Boy" fame (Different label or not, it should have been included, ladies!)? Would June Millington and Alice de Buhr have become major roll models, instead of just rock footnotes as the greatest female guitarist and drummer of all time? And what if Brie Berry/Brandt/Howard/Darling had been allowed to stay? Would the top-tier session and touring vocalist/percussionist (as well as frontwoman of the likes of American Girls and Boxing Ghandis) that she became have provided THE VOICE that a lot of critics (as well as the band themselves) felt was missing? We'll never know. But I do know this...almost forty years later, FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME proves Fanny was, is, and, just maybe, always will be the Queens of Rock & Roll! My apologizes to anyone who fell asleep reading this review....but we're talking four discs and forty years here! (As with all my reviews, I'm giving the disc an extra half a star....not for including the lyrics, but for the extensive interview with the Millington's and de Buhr that's provided).



3. One of the most outstanding early 70's band aound. I first heard them at a friends house in Twin Falls Idaho. We quickly orderd all the records from our local music shop. We had friends in Spokan WA who also told us about them. We thought they didn't get the promotion they really deserved.



4. I loved this group when I was 18. They came to the University of Houston to play and , even though I was not a student, went to see them in person. The best live show I have ever seen. Music was clean and clear and my little brother , who was 15, danced to their music in the UC.
   I have had all their albums and played them till they were so worn, I had to throw them away.
   If you like Girl Bands and you like good music, Fanny is it! This release brings back the good ole days when life was good and simple. Rock on!



5. I just wish this set weren't so pricey-lol-because I'd snatch it up in a millisecond!!!! In the past year, I've purchased their LP's on E-bay "Charity Ball", "Fanny Hill", and "Mother's Pride"-MAN-they just don't make stuff like this anymore!!! What a band-such a shame they didn't get the recognition they most definitly deserved!!!!
   
   One of my all-time favorite bands!!!

1 comments about The Complete BBC Sessions.

1. Long-time Tindersticks fans may peruse the tracklist of this two disc set and wonder why they should buy these songs again. I did. The answer is that you should buy because of the historic connection to the BBC and the legendary John Peel since quality is almost guaranteed when he is involved.
   The first time I played this set I gave myself a big pat on the back for deciding to buy. The clarity and intensity of these assembled sessions is simply tremendous. The orchestration is astounding. I like all the songs but naturally some stand out.
   On disc one, the best cuts far and away are a penetrating rendition of Her which features a memorable guitar attack and a rousing Snowy In F# Minor. I also favor Drunk Tank, A Night In, Talk To Me, and the instrumental Vertrauen 2.
   On Disc 2, the best cut is (Tonight) Are You Trying To Fall In Love Again? but I also favor Here, Seaweed, the instrumental Rhumba, a new version of Her with piano replacing guitar, and a rendition of Tiny Tears which I think is better than the one on disc one. I also like Travelling Light and Buried Bones though they lack the female vocal touch which makes them so appealing in their original versions.
   The Complete BBC Sessions is a top-notch piece of work. If you are a Tindersticks fan, you should add this to your collection. If you are new to the band's music, this set offers a well-presented overview of the band's early songs.

1 comments about Promise.

1. Unfairly lumped into the Goth craze of the early 80's, this tuneful duo really rocks with this, the first of many great releases. Kind of hard to nail down references, although U2-like guitar is predominant."Aquatic" was a term used to describe this shimmering guitar sound back in the early 80's. The vocals remind me a bit of Gavin Friday of the Virgin Prunes, another band that started out in the early 80's that also has a U-2 reference . Strong tunes throughout, a classic of it's time that still sounds great today. What really clinches this deal is the bonus cd, loaded with rare 12" mixes, unreleased cuts, and b-sides to some REALLY rare vinyl singles . The "Shaving My Neck" e.p., their extremely rare first single is here, as is,IMHO, their best ever song, the b-side to the "Bruises" single, "Punch Drunk". This song just flat out rocks, and I'm glad to finally have it, along with this entire collection, on cd at last. Eighties rock fans and, well, yes, Goth fans alike should seek this cd out before it slips away. I've found that re-releases like this are labors of love influenced by dedicated fans that surely won't make anyone rich, they are put out because they are too important to be forgotten, and they are good! I'm sure that not a lot of copies are pressed, hence my statement about picking it up quick. Plus, check out the low price - it's a great deal compared to the sludge that's getting cranked out now at $18.99 a pop.

5 comments about Live Box.

1. I was never a huge Björk fan. Actually, I only had one of her CD's before this Box-Set which was the Greatest Hits collection. I saw her on November, she was here on her Volta Tour... it was totally mind-blowing. It was the first time I saw her live... one of the best performances I've seen in my short-but-well-lived life!
   After that, I had to get my hands on this Box-Set... and I gotta tell you, it's definitely a MUST HAVE for any Björk fan or just ANY music fan... probably the best purchase I've made in the past year. At 40 USD, you're getting 4 live CD's + 1 DVD of really great material. As for the music, what can I say? It's Björk, and it's live..... you know it won't let you down... In fact, Hyperballad on this CD is *the best* version you'll ever find. As for the rest, it's absolutely flawless. Packaging is awesome too.-
   Really excited to have this as part of my collection.
   Buy it. Now. Do it. Do it.



2. If you're a Bjork fan this is a must have!!!
   Great collection.



3. Where to begin with such a musical treat such as this? Describing how much I adore this nifty little arrangement is near impossible because my love for Bjork blinds it so much. It was a few days after Christmas in 2003 when I saw Bjork's debut album "Debut" for sale and bought it on the off-chance that I would like it. Little did I know that I was about to embark on the most profoundly amazing musical experience of my life. 2004 for me was Bjork. No one else. In the space of the year I have acquired pretty much her entire back catalogue on CD, and "Live Box" was a welcome addition to this last month.
   
   To firstly understand the importance of a project such as this one must first understand the way in which it is constructed. Bjork is both a visual and musical artist whose work appears to be the end result of just one person's hard work, when in fact everything she does is a collaborative effort. She has always let other people have a say in the work that she does, and she does this because she wants to develop a connection and really make the most of a particular project. This may be a design for a CD cover, a photo shoot, a concert, or even a remix. She knows she can't do all this herself, so she has others helping her, which I find very interesting. With the input of others (and her vision pushing the project forward) she is able to create really big projects, whether it be musically or visually, that boast many different formats and challenge the limits of what that particular field contains.
   
   Undoubtedly one of the best examples of this collaborate effort can be seen in one of Bjork's concerts, which is superbly displayed in this Live Box. Consisting of four live albums, it is a must-have for any Bjork fan. The four CD's are all complete live versions of her first four solo studio albums "Debut," "Post," "Homogenic" and "Vespertine." Bjork especially picks musicians for her tours who are willing to alter the framework of her music while keeping the structure and order the same. She also chooses arenas that are specifically designed for her music. For example, the music on the live Vespertine album was all recorded in opera houses. She chose this because the acoustics of her music would benefit better from the structure of the opera house rather than in a large arena where a lot of the sound would be lost. That's the thing with Bjork, you see: she's not in this to make a quick buck. Her career is her life and we as human beings should respond to this and embrace her passion. She might be in a world of her own, but hey, I'd rather be in hers than the one we're currently in...
   
   The theatrical design of the stage is also very important in the production of shows like this. Her team all offer their opinion and Bjork will choose the ones she thinks are the best, from costume design, stage props and the order of songs. Her live shows seem simple and effortless because of all the hard work that has gone into them. Not many people know what goes on backstage, making it seem effortless. Only when something is effortless is it pure. Now I haven't talked much about the actual music in this collection, but Amazon sells each album individually. Don't worry, I shall be writing reviews for all four individual Live CD's and in great detail - this is too good a collection not too. I felt that it was important to tell newcomers about Bjork's collaborative efforts to make them appreciate her music in a way that is different to any other artist. When you listen to the music on these albums, think of what I said above and if you're ever confused about Bjork's credibility and genius, you'll know why.
   
   This Live Box was released in the summer of 2003 and went down a storm with Bjork fans. Retrospective projects of this size are normally reserved for dead Jazz musicians or classical composers. For a 39-year-old pop star with a mere four solo albums to her name to get this kind of treatment is unprecedented. If any other living musician were to release a similarly grandiose project, it would be seen as an act of unforgivable hubris. This collection also contains a superb DVD which features performances of the songs "One Day," "It's Oh So Quiet," "Joga," "Aurora," and "It's Not Up To You" from different stages during Bjork's career. All in all this collection comprises of four superb CD's and 55 live songs. It is a stellar collection of ground-breaking and misunderstood beautiful music that will be treasured for the rest of time. Essential.



4. I have adquired lots of Björk's material. I wanted the this Live Box because it had the 4 live cd's, with songs that were carefully chosen as the best performances, and it also included the bonus Dvd with 4 tracks that had been released in her other respective Dvds and the exclusive and wicked performance of It's Oh So Quiet at Tatarata (not in any of her dvds). A lot Of people prefered to get the individual cd's but I thought of buying the whole box cause of the money saving and the special dvd. Now that I have it in my hands, I don't regret it. I forgot to mention it also includes the Live Book, which consists of a booklet with an extensive interview by Ási to Björk, where she explains about touring, the musicians, the adventures of doing an album, her icelandic roots and more. It's very nice to read the interview because it's like she's storytelling. There you can see that she's reasonable and creative woman, and you can listen to the live records that have fascinating and entertaining bits of shows from the tours of Debut, Post, Homogenic and Vespertine. She's and excellent live artist, and so she proves that in this set. I was personally amazed by this collection of live songs that were magical, warm, charming, sheltering, beautiful. Definitively worth the buy. I thought it would be better off to get all the live albums at once to hear bits of each. It's so good to see a good compilation of live tracks like this one, and I'm am happy to see Björk really took her time to share these incredible performances for everyone who would want to listen to them.



5. I was really excited to find out that bjork was going to be releasing live albums, and one time when I was in denver at a record store, I was surprised to see all of them in stock as I had forgotten the release date. I wanted the vespertine one, and had it in my hand, but accidentally got homogenic live... this review is based primarily around that one, and losely around the other three discs.
   
   The homogenic and vespertine ones are the best,(in my humble opinion) The sound quality is excellent on all of them but it is missing a little oomph on the low end. There are alot of little subtle things that are added into the songs that make them that much more enjoyable, but you might have to listen harder on some songs (immature) than others.
   
   One of the best things about listening to these albums for me, is the nostalgia factor, and she doesnt miss a note. Alot of favorites like Joga (this version is without a beat) and possibly maybe ( extra verse and more imrpovised melodies!) appear on the Homogenic version as well as unexpected gems like so broken and the opening track ( I am not typing that title)
   This is good to fulfill any curiosity about her live show but it is no substitute for the real thing when you compare the two.
   
   I will say though that alot of the live versions of songs on homogenic like: all neon like, and pluto, are given new life and I like them much more than the studio versions.
   
   One more thing is that not all of the songs on the albums were recorded from one set, and there is a little bit of a lack of concert feel because of it ( so broken is taken from a tv performance) but its not such a big deal. The booklets contain really nice interviews and photots that helped make the whole package really enjoyable... but I dont know what they were thinking with that picture on the cover of the homogenic disc.
   
   For my money, I'd get the vespertine disc before homogenic,(just because vespertine is my favorite bjork album) and then buy the debut and post if you have the studio albums, as the performances are not much different from the studio counterparts, and there arent really any extra songs you didnt hear on the albums for incentive.
   It's cheaper to pick out the "live" discs by priority instead of buying an expensive boxset, but I might be wrong...
   
   The homogenic one serves as a really great way to get your snobby metalhead freind into bjork as it offers quite a bit of stuff from her back catalogue as well as homogenic songs. uh... because everyone knows bjork is pop music for metalheads and hardcore kids (if you dont believe me count the meshuggah shirts in the crowd, and watch all the people headbang to pluto. I am serious.)
   
   The only bad thing about this box set is that it's a little spendy, but you can just buy all of the discs seperately if you want one (or two) and not the other... and sometimes the "feel" of a live setting is a little akward because the production on some songs is diferent, but thats just a little nitpicky thing that isnt even a big issue.
   
   This thing really makes me want to see her live again, some of you dont know what youre missing (not to be a jerk and rub it in * cough*) but this is the next best thing, I promise. If you love bjork, you need this, you wont listen to the studio albums much though afterwards. I love the live albums and I am very glad they were released.
   
   There is alot more passion and the whole thing feels so much more organic and heartfelt than some of the song's counterparts on the studio records, this thing kicks ass!

No comments about Themes, Vols. 1-5.

No comments about A New High in Low.

5 comments about Surrounded.

1. Bjork in 5.1, need I say more! Her beautiful music in all it's glory coming at you from 6 speakers. If you are new to Bjork this box set is a bargain. Rather than purchase her albums individually, you get them all here, re-mastered in 5.1 & DTS for a pretty good price. If you are already a fan, then you need this. Each album features the original sound in stereo on one side and the entire album again in DTS & 5.1 on the other. If that is not enough for you, each disc also includes the videos from each release (also in 5.1) and a very entertaining behind the scenes look at the making of `triumph of a heart." The music sounds fantastic and I think it's awesome that the art work and packaging of each disc has not changed. My only gripe with this set is that there is nothing to look at while the music (DVD side) is playing. Bjork's duel disc version of her latest release (Volta) displays various promo shots in a slideshow while each track plays. This would have been an awesome addition to an otherwise excellent collection.



2. Not since Kate Bush have I been so impressed with a singer/performer like Bjork. She brings passion and pure joy to everything she touches. This box set is a must (and it includes DVDs of her videos). But Bjork is best experienced live - get all of her DVD concerts! That is where she truly shines. I especially recommend the Royal Opera House DVD.



3. Esperé bastante tiempo para comprar este Set, pero el reciente concierto de BJORK aquí en Bogotá Colombia me movió a comprarlo de inmediato, ya antes tenía todos los cds y dvds antes, pero, voy a eplicar por qué este set realmente vale la pena.
   
   Vale la pena por que la musica de bjork tiene muchísimas dimensiones acusticas, y simplemente no has escuchado nada, si no lo escuchas en DTS 5,1. Imagina los compases iniciales de PAGAN POETRY, en los que aparecen como cascadas estos pequenos sonidos.... no en un recorrido de izq - derecha... sino pasando lentamente desde tu espalda a la izquierda, luego sintiendolo frente a ti y posteriormente su eco a tu derecha alejandose....
   
   simplemente increible, escuchas con muchisima claridad cada instrumento.. es mas.. compare el cd normal contra el DVD DTS y de lejos.. la claridad del sonido y su distribución espacial te permiten escuchar cosas que antes eran inperceptibles.
   
   Esta colección es mi regalo de navidad: para mi.. y creo que no saldre a vacaciones.. por que debo encontrarme otra vez con toda la obra de Bjork.
   
   Algo adicional, es que en esta edicion el audio de los videos (vienen todos los video clips de bjork hasta antes del joga) están mezclados en DTS 5.1
   
   Si no puedes escuchar la senal de DTS, recuerda comprar el cable de fibra optica para conectar tu reproductor al Home Teather, esa es la solución.



4. Okey, I've read so many negative reviews about this product I want to share my experience this this box-set.
   
   
   First off, the bad things:
   1. If you don't have a DTS/Surround 5.1 system you're not going to enjoy the experience of being "surroundede" by the music. These days those equipments are not so expensive and you can have one for 200 bucks or less.
   
   2. Is a must to have a DVD player of Stereo system capable of reading DualDiscs. In my house I can play the DVD-audio side on my DVD player but not the CD side (!). I also use my computer to hear music and it can read both sides. Just in case, I own an IntelCore iMac. I strongly recommend to TEST your own equipment with dualdiscs BEFORE you buy the box set. Lend a friend's dual disc. Try it on your stereo, your computer, your laptop until you are SURE that there's not gonna be any problem with this kind of problematic media.
   
   
   The GOOD things:
   1. The sound is KILLER! The DTS sound is rich and powerfull. I only have a CHEAP Sony 5.1 DTS system (3 frontal speakers, two side speakers, and a non-active subwoofer) Some problems with the sub side but the rest is crystal clear. My favorite album is Vespertine... the surround arrangments enhance the atmosphere of the songs (like in Cocoon or Heirloom) THhe channle separation is perfect to make your house rumble. crank the volume in Pluto and prepare to be slammed against your wall.
   
   2. Package is sweet: Hot copper stamping over a holding carboard case. The printed art is Bjork-ish and I really love it. You have all jewel cases arranged inside, protected from dust and humidity. Some guy mentioned the "special" Dual-Disc version. Well, that version is cool (rounded corners and a curved side) but is a big problem to put that thing on a CD shelf. Think about if before buying.
   
   3. You got all the Björk discograhy/videography (even the weird Drawing restraint soundtrack) in one box. Is not pricey of you are patient and wait (like me) to have a discount from Amazon. I purchased it for 80 bucks (plus shipping). Great deal, considering I live overseas and don't have free- shipping benefits.
   
   
   My final balance: To me this is a great oportunityt to get all the Björk's studio music and videos, nice packaged and with a fantastic 5.1 sound. Please, before you buy this set do some test on the equipment you own. In that way you won't be dissapointed once it's in your home and you can't play the (damn) discs. This is what I did and I'm now very happy to have the entire collection of one of the most versatile and original artists in the world.



5. So it is no question that Bjork is not your typical mainstream artist. She is unlike anything else. She has the voice, the mind, the need, and the power to create and design, beautiful art, whether it is musically, or visually.
   
   In Bjork's new (__Surrounded) you will find everything from the "Debut" in '93 until her latest "Medulla" in '04. Every record on the collection has been re-mastered on the DVD side. They each, except for Selmasongs and Drawing Restraint 9, include their accompanied videos. Those beautifully made videos that can only come from the master mind that Bjork is.
   
   It is no doubt that Bjork grows with time, and this collections shows it. The videos, the music, the arrangements, it all changes, into the world called Bjork. The collection is definitely worth the buy, worth the money and worth the try. Even if you are the biggest fan, or most importantly, have all the CD's, (__Surrounded) is the way to go.

5 comments about The Complete Studio Recordings.

1. This box set delivers as promised; it's the 6 studio albums by The Doors while Morrison was alive. Perfect. Plus a 7th disc of rare and extra stuff that is a nice bonus. I'd rather have regular CD cases over the paper "LP" sleeves because of durability, but the little cardboard album replicas are cool while they last. The book contains some good essays on each album, but I would have liked more studio notes and details about the sessions and recording. This is a five star box set because it's all of the Doors' albums, of which most are five star albums themselves. I got this box set used here on Amazon for $24 - a great deal for 7 CDs in all. I've been a fan of the Doors for decades, and am very happy I finally got them all on CD to replace my old, scratched, worn out LP records. If you love the Doors and want all of their albums at once, this box set is perfect. The remastered CDs in this box set do sound better than my previous Waiting For The Sun and self-titled debut The Doors CDs and are a clear upgrade in quality.



2. El producto es muy bueno. Para los fanaticos de The Doors es algo invaluable. Lo único es que se habla de las grabaciones completas en estudio, pero los que compramos el box set sabemos que no es verdad. Hace falta los dos lanzamientos que hicieron The Doors luego de fallecido Jim, full Circle y Other voices. Así Jim halla muerto y sea una figura representativa del grupo, The Doors continuó su obra, la cual en mi opinión sigue siendo muy buena. Por supuesto, se debe evitar comparar la voz de Jim con la de sus compañeros. En conclusión sugiero la compra de este producto y adquirir por aparte los trabajos faltantes, incluso se puede añadir American Prayer. Para compensar la ausencia de los dos discos, el box set nos trae un CD con rarezas musicales del grupo.



3. I have this and The Doors Box Set, both are awesome! For the car I have Legacy: Absolutely The Best. The complete studio recordings is 7 cd's. 6 remastered studio albums and an Essential Rarities disc culled from the other 4 disc box set. It's a great bonus disc for this set. Alot of the "hodge-podge" box sets (as I call them) have an Essential disc such as Janis 18 Essential songs which is culled from a box set. In this case it gives this box set some non-studio stuff to spice it up. And it does just the right trick!
   
   Originally, I bought this to replace my Doors cd collection. A friend of mine got this and I was able to compare sound quality between what I had on cd (first generation discs) and what was now available. I was also concerned 'Would this be the last time I'd need to upgrade?' And the answer is yes. I think I'm hearing as close to what was on the original albums (vinyl) as possible. That and the benefits of the digital media, it's all good.
   
   The box set itself is nice with full-color artwork, a nice booklet, 7 cd's in what appear to be their original album artwork complete with little slipcases for the cd's like the vinyl used to have. If I only had ONE box set, this one was done right.
   
   Personally, I like both types of boxsets. The ones including a bunch of remastered cd's are always nice for an upgrade or first place to start. The hodge-podge style is more for the die-hard fan and includes studio, live, alternate cuts, previously unreleased goodies, warts and all. These type generally make the artist more tangible in a human sort of way.
   
   All and all this is a very good set and worth every penny.



4. Im surpised at the rating of this boxset. This is a 5 star boxset. Each album as it was originally released. Each album comes in a cardbox replica of the original LP with a paper sleeve. All lyrics are included. Many photos inlcuded, some unreleased. Good liner notes. Top notch remasters. Complete studio recording of the Doors with Jim Morrison (lets face it folks, without him, is a different ball game). That is my definition of a 5 star package. These are the minor flaws I found. 1) Still, we dont have any mono mixes of the albums. 2) The booklet is glued and comes apart after a few readings. 3) I also had to re-glued my mini LPs, not enough glue was applied. 4) I think 100 dlls for 7 discs is a little pricey for Cds that can be purchased separately at a lower price. All things considered, the box set is the way to go to get all the Doors albums.



5. A band like The Doors rarely ever comes around, a band so original, inspired and of such abstract thought that they cause your jaw to hit the floor in awe. Though you can get a mild interpertation of what the band is about through a greatest hits disc, your money is better spent investing in a box set as such, which contains all six of the bands stuido albums and a bonus sampler from another box set which contains several rarities including an unreleased song. The set itself is beautifully packaged, each CD in an LP like case including a protective sleeve around the disc complete with the artwork on it each disc cover is that of the original record label. Depsite what many have said and will say this is worth your money, and if you go and look at your local CD store the prices of these CD's individually are much more expensive contrary to the belief that this set is not even a value.

5 comments about Once in a Lifetime.

1. A lot of people are complaining about this boxset for 3 reasons - the price, the way in which it's presented, and the material within. Honestly though... aren't those the top 3 things to complain about when discussing a piece of art?
   
   I work at a music and book store, and even with my discount, the price tag was daunting. However, this box set caught my eye even before I knew it was a Talking Heads set. Perched above all the other CDs, the size of the set, and the lovely art work that was painted across it stood out to me. Once I read that it was from the Talking Heads, I knew I wanted it (more for my mother than myself). Yes, the artwork is strange, and yes, it is out there - but aren't the Talking Heads? Isn't David Byrne? Both the band and this boxset are weird and wonderful, in the most perfect ways possible.
   
   As for the complaints about this box set having basically every track previously released..... hello? It's a box set. Part of a box set is containing all the previously released tracks of said artist, along with extra material. I love the DVD that comes with the 3 CDs, as well as the in-box booklet, complete with photos, essays, and memorable pieces of art. The "box" alone that it comes in is worth it for me.
   
   This is not a box set for the music freak who already owns every Talking Heads album, song, and concert DVD, just so that they can say "Hey, I own every Talking Heads song EVER." This box set is for the person who loves the Talking Heads, and who can say with great confidence that the Talking Heads and their music were a large part of their lives. I grew up listening to Talking Heads - I'm now 19, and this box set means a lot to me.
   
   If you, or someone you know, would treasure this for what it is, then it would make a tremendous gift.



2. Before I purchased this set I read all the reviews posted here - the good, the bad and the indifferent. And in the end I bought this box set. I'm glad I did.
   
   Much has been made about this collection overlapping the selections on "Sand in the Vaseline", some suggest that the packaging is quirky and not very user-friendly, others suggest real fans should just spend the money buying the seperate albums.
   
   I think the defining factor for me (besides being a fan of the music) is that The Heads were an "art" band - in the most fundamental sense of that slightly awkward description. And this release is a tangible "artifact" of that visual art and design personality.
   
   Experiencing this package is like entering a gallery and seeing an artists retrospective exhibition up on the walls. Perhaps a piece or two is missing but the overall experience and presentaion is well considered and the exhibition becomes a thing unto itself.
   
   Sure, the packaging resembles a coffee table book that has been on a slimming program. But it's a beautiful thing.
   
   The engineering of the package is excellent - the CD sleeves fit exactly into the slots on the cover so that the graphics remain "in register". The artwork is odd but compelling. The booklet provides some interesting insight into the personality and history of the group through a series of short well-illustrated essays.
   
   And the music? It's great - Disc two alone is a particularly wonderful mix that brings me back to my college days. There isn't a bad song on it! Disc one predates my involvement as a fan so it provides some interesting new experiences. Disc three continues the evolution of the band and their music and is once again full of great stuff.
   
   The fourth disc of videos provides a brief visual history of the whole MTV generation - moving from cheap production values to more generous budgets as fame and other visual competition influenced the bands quirky cinematic concepts.
   
   In the end this collection is like a portfolio set of limited edtion prints - it's something to have and hold. Something to touch and play with. It's a multimedia art piece from a multitalented "art" band.
   
   So, if all you want to do is load some tunes on the old iPod, then there are better ways to go for the content you are looking for. But if you want to own a genuine Heads sanctioned artifact then look no further.



3. There's not a whole lot here that isn't on Sand In The Vaseline. Though it is a well designed set, and does boast some great features, is it really worth the money? If you're a hardcore Heads fan, yes. If you enjoyed a lot of their songs, but never really listened to a whole album, then no.
   
   Basically, it's an updated greatest hits, with a little nod towards better production. But pound for pound, Sand In The Vaseline wins, hands down.



4. I'd already owned all the albums, including Sand in the Vaseline. I still listen to my vinyl copy of The Name of this Band is Talking Heads. What more could I get out of this?
   It was a neat box (at first - it's a drag to store) and I wanted the DVD (obviously!). But being extremely familiar with the original mixes of these songs, there are very, very few changes in these remixes that actually improve anything. It's like George Lucas with his obsessions - LEAVE A GOOD THING ALONE. Way too many Naked/Rei Momo flourishes superimposed here. And I like Naked and Rei Momo.



5. This is a great compilation of Talking Heads material. The artwork and book are very attractive and the release of the warner video compilation on DVD makes this set excellent!
   
   If you get the oppertunity to own it, and love and miss the Talking Heads like I do, you wont regret it!

4 comments about Hipeponymous.

1. If you're a Hip fan, you'll love this stuff just as much as you love everything else from Das Hip.
   
   I count myself among the fanatics (never miss 'em when they come to town!) and for me there was a special treat here. The Toronto show was great but the Right Whale clips were simply out of this world. A few mushroom would have helped, but for the believers, are not strictly necessary.
   
   I'll say no more. Get this, and get into the Right Whale!



2. This box set is simply great. A fan of The Hip for the last 18 years, I would recommend this set to anyone. It features songs picked by fans and I think we did an awesome job. The two CD's are packed full of some of the greatest Hip songs making it so easy to pass a few hours. Beyond entertaining. Buy it, now.



3. I bought this as a present for my finace and he loves it. It comes with two CD's and two DVD's. These are great, the book is a little over rated, but for any tragically hip fan, this is an awesome box set!!



4. As a long time fan of the Tragically Hip (since the 'Call The Office' days in London Ont.), the idea of a box set was not all that interesting to me, since I already have all the band's released music on cd, and then some. IMO, the song selection for the duo cd set is adequate, but too much good stuff seems to have been left off. 'Another Midnite,' from 'Up To Here,' for instance, is one of their most gorgeous yet left behind gems with a simply transcendant refrain, and it is no where to be found. Instead we get the predictable 'Lake Fever' and the heard too often 'Poets.'
   
   No 'Vapour Trail' is also a travesty. But that is nitpicking, really, isn't it; as it would indeed be a difficult job for anyone to pick Hip songs to fill two cd's, as the Hip have so many good ones to choose from. They could have easily filled three cd's. For the uninitiated, this set isnt a bad bet, but I would advise heading straight to the individual records instead - anything from 'Henhouse' and beyond for their 'more atmospheric and ambient' phase - as I like to call it and anything prior to 'Henhouse' for their more rough and ready, blues based approach.
   
   On to the DVD.
   
   It's gorgeously shot, first of all, and very watchable. I cannot stand concert videos where the producers for some reason feel the need to change camera shots every two seconds. You dont watch a concert that way in real life so why would you want to on your TV?? Thankfully the producers of this DVD knew this.
   
   The splitscreen effect is very cool. So is the 'real time' layout of the disk; what you get is the actual show as it unfolded that night with no edits, no splices, no overdubs and no coverups. You get the goofed cues, mangled verses, tripping and falling, and all the cool stuff that only live music can bring. Rock and roll aint supposed to be perfect, baby. Everything here is just as it happened that night, right down to audience noise in between encores. This is a very cool approach and hats off to whoever decided on it. The band obviously wanted a 'being there' atmosphere to be purveyed to the viewer, and it works.
   
   The band itself, as most always, burns on this particluar night. They saunter on stage with no fanfare looking more like roadies than a 'rock band,' and that in itself is one of the most endearing things about the Hip - their refusal to get caught up in any of that rock star trip crap.
   
   The 'Hip Pocket' - the rhythm section of Sinclair, Fay and Langlois - is as tight and perfectly timed as ever. In fact, this is probably the tightest pocket in rock; Sinclair is (and always has been) a walking metronome on bass. Baker adds his own flourishes as he always does whether it's with this cool sounding sorta pedal steel thing he uses on 'Vaccination Scar' or it's his bluesy licks on 'New Orleans Is Sinking.'
   
   That said, I have some issues with Sir Gordon Downie as of late.
   
   Now Downie has always been one of the most, ahhh, peculiar frontmen in rock. He's a twisting, gyrating sweating maniac lost in his own world and has always been absolutely riveting to watch.
   
   HOWEVER.
   
   Number one, what's with the guitar?? You cant hear it anyway, so it appears to be more of a prop. Downie is at his manic best when he is not tied down holding a guitar, as he proves indisputedly on the second song, 'Fully Completely.' The guitar, for me, takes away from the overall Hip experience.
   
   My second issue is Gordie's habit of changing vocal melodies so far off the original that he veers out of pitch from time to time, and he also seems to want to sometimes change his vocal timing/phrasing as to be out of sync with the music sometimes. I dont know what he does that for. Boredom of singing it the same way for so long?
   
   Lastly, and most importantly, is Gord's 'ranting.' I enjoy a good Gord 'rant' as much as anybody, but does he have to talk over every guitar solo ??? Over most every instrumental break?? I think Gordo should perhaps consider limiting the ranting a bit - so as to allow the audience to actually be able to hear the musical interaction going on behind him during parts of the songs where in the original versions there was no singing. I WANT to hear Baker's licks at the end of 'Grace Too,' or at the end of 'Three Pistols' and I want to hear Langlois' super cool riffing on the coda to 'Nautical Disaster,' but it is difficult to do so when you have to try to listen to it through Downie's non-stop blabbering about God knows what and who cares anyway.
   
   This is my only criticism.
   
   All in all it's a great DVD but I am thinking the boys gotta maybe rein Gordie in a bit. It seems like it's getting to be a bit too much the 'Gord Downie Show,' at least that's my humble opinion, folks, and no doubt I'll get mugged for it, but that's rock and roll!